Jun 14, 2018
Derwyn has an extensive background in software development and was co-founder of Jama Software. Currently he manages product strategy, development and market position to help Talkoot grow and share their numerous strengths as a product. He tells us how he got into product strategy, his experience as events manager at Outside magazine and his thoughts on how branding might evolve in the next few years.
Show Notes
First Exposure to the Outdoors
I feel very connected to the outdoors. I grew up in Santa Fe New Mexico. My dad was a huge advocate for backpacking and we went backpacking all the time. I mean we had a VW Bus and we rode out into the wilds of Santa Fe or up into Colorado. Then I was on the search and rescue team when I was in college going to St. John's College. I have skied my entire life hitchhiking up every single weekend to go skiing.
Things we talked about
Outside Magazine
Mtn Hardwear
Butron
Doc Martens
adidas
Advice, tips
What I'm seeing is that the outdoor industry or brands and retailers are looking to technology in order to stay current and move faster. And there's not only an understanding of technology that you can bring to the table but there's practices and workflows that software has figured out. I'm a big proponent of the Agile software development methodology that that exists. I did this in my talk a little bit, I talked about how those concepts can really be applied to organizations dealing you know brand and or retail.
And I would say anyone looking to get into the outdoor industry, if someone is passionate about the outdoors now is a great time. If you're in the technology sector working on some you know, some software company that sells to other you know server brands, now is a great time because your expertise in the technology world is really needed greatly in the outdoor industry as well. So I think it's a great opportunity for people to move around.
Other Outdoor Activities
Surfing
Sailing
Swimming
Cyclocross
Mtn Biking
Favorite Books
Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon McKenzie
Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull
Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy by Douglas Adams
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Connect with Derwyn